Many scholars believe that verses 6-8 fit more naturally after verse 12, and Moffatt actually rearranges the text in this way. This allows for Yahweh to explain to Moses about the quails and manna before it is announced to the people. However, such a rearrangement of text is recommended only when a more natural flow of information is achieved and no new problems are created. In this case the problem would arise that the people would be told they would see the “glory of the LORD” (verse 7) after they had already seen it (verse 10). So it is recommended that translators keep verses 6 and 7 in their present place.

So Moses and Aaron said does not mean that they spoke in unison. They may have spoken to various groups rather than “to all the Israelites” (Good News Translation) at once. At evening probably means “This evening” (Good News Translation), although some may understand it to refer to each evening when the quails come (verses 8 and 12). This may also be expressed as “At sundown today” or “When the sun falls today.” You shall know means “you will be convinced” (Translator’s Old Testament) or “know by experience” (Durham). (See the same expression in 6.7.) That it was the LORD who brought you out can mean “the LORD has brought you out” (American Standard Version), but since the focus is on Yahweh, it is better to say “it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt” (Good News Translation) or “that the LORD was the one who rescued you from Egypt” (Contemporary English Version).

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .